The Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner on his eurozone pessimism, speed walking and an ambition to manage Arsenal

Why did you become a lawyer? At school, I was given a research project on the London Underground at a time when the Tube drivers were on strike. I read a judgment by Lord Denning MR and thought it was wonderful stuff – I wanted to be like him…

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? There are two: Edward Evans – who taught me a great deal, but the need to always focus on the few issues that really matter commercially on any given transaction is something I always try to follow. The other is Ian Falconer – one of the cleverest and most gifted lawyers I have met. He is a man of great cultural and aesthetic taste, but also of tremendous wit, energy and collegiality. 

What's your proudest professional moment? Becoming a partner at Freshfields in 1997 is up there. The only sad thing was that my father died just five months before I was asked. He would have been very proud.

…and worst day on the job? As a very young partner, learning that my client had been arrested earlier that afternoon by the Serious Fraud Office for a £250m receivables financing fraud on a bank. It rammed home the need to take our client acceptance processes very seriously!

Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why? Charles Randell at Slaughter and May in 2008 during the Icelandic bank crisis and its dire potential effects on the UK stands out. His critical role in co-ordinating the response on behalf of HM Treasury was an awesome but consummate performance.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? Strongest characteristic: I like to think people say I'm a good listener, but also able to make strong and good decisions. Worst trait: I walk very quickly and often leave colleagues trailing behind.

What advice would you give to young lawyers starting out? Don't be afraid to ask a question if you do not understand what you are being told. It usually means there is confusion or a lack of clarity all round!

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? When I was working in our Amsterdam office, having to explain to a client at a post-closing dinner why I would not be joining him for further 'celebrations'…

What most annoys you about the legal profession? Lawyers who waste time raising points or adopting positions they know will be totally unacceptable to the other side. 

What's your strongest card – technical wizardry or smooth client skills (you can only pick one)? Client skills. I am not allowed to sit at the technical wizards table!

Most memorable deal you ever have worked on and why? The first operating company securitisation in 1998 by Welcome Break opposite David Krischer and Tony Keal. We created a new genre of corporate financing that is still used today.

What is the daftest bit of corporate jargon you've heard (and did you smirk)? 'Let's have a wash-up.' 

What will be the most significant market trend in the law over the next 12 months? 12 months is not a long time in the scheme of things. Although I remain very pessimistic about the euro and the eurozone, and I don't think we'll be out of the woods post the German elections in autumn. That could create lots of issues for us lawyers!

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? Maybe Arsene Wenger's successor!

What's your favourite item of clothing? My gardening shoes. Chewed to pieces by the dog but I love them.

What's your favourite cheese? Cheddar – lots and lots of it! Why go to France?

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